Cooking in Lithuania has deep traditions that go back centuries. However, not only the national heritage, but also today’s cooking culture has gained international recognition - 4 restaurants in Lithuania have earned one Michelin star, 8 restaurants have received the “Bib Gourmand” label for offering good quality and price ratio, and another 25 restaurants are included in the list of recommended restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide. And two Lithuanian restaurants have a green Michelin star, which means they have been awarded for exceptional achievements in the field of sustainable gastronomy. (Lietuvoje „MICHELIN Guide” įvertinti restoranai, 2025). It should be noted that many European countries also apply preferential taxes to the restaurant business (such as value added tax). The catering sector is a sector that creates high added value, as it simultaneously produces a product and provides a service. The application of more flexible taxes allows companies in this sector to maintain existing jobs and create new ones, reduce the unemployment rate among young people by combining education and work, and increase consumption. The Lithuanian Hotel and Restaurant Association was a pioneer in Lithuania in organizing Lithuanian chefs, waiters, bartenders’ championships, waiters’ marathons, and inbound tourism business missions “Buy Lithuania” (Lietuvos viešbučių ir restoranų asociacija, 2025). Therefore, it is important for Lithuania to enhance the visibility of its food culture and to share with the world the experiences of Lithuanian food preparation, consumption, and culinary heritage. This goal can be pursued not only through the increasingly popular phenomenon of gastronomic tourism, which aims to introduce each country’s unique cuisine and traditions, but also through various events, exhibitions, and educational activities. The purpose of this article is to present the current issues of legal regulation of food placed on the market and its handling in Lithuania. Article 3(5) of the Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Agriculture, Food Economy and Rural Development (2008) stipulates the obligation to ensure that safe, high-quality, and diverse agricultural and food products are made available on the Lithuanian market, as food is one of the most significant factors influencing our appearance, well-being, and the health of members of our society. Today, we are presented with a vast and diverse supply of food, which at times makes it difficult to discern what is genuinely healthy and beneficial for us. The Law on Food of the Republic of Lithuania defines the concept of “food” in accordance with Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council, namely: “Food” (or “foodstuff”) means any 658 JOLANTA VILKEVIČIŪTĖ
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